Check out Japan's giant snowball fight competition

Some competitors took the snowball tournament very seriously indeed

While lots of people are looking forward to the end of the winter season, some people in Japan have welcomed the cold weather with open arms.

More than 120 teams took part in an epic snowball fight competition which was held in the city of Uonuma, a place known for its super chilly conditions.

The annual Koide International Snowball Fight is the largest event of its kind in Japan.

Ready, set, fight!

So how did the tournament work? Teams made up of five players competed in matches lasting two minutes each on a field the size of a tennis court, with points awarded for direct hits with a snowball.

"Put simply, you make snowballs, throw them, score hits and the team with most points wins," said head judge Takuya Kitsu.

The winner of the tournament was given a special prize - 30 kgs of rice, which is an Uonuma speciality.

120 teams took part in the competition - check out this player's slick moves!

"Snowball fighting is originally just a game, so I like that when you give it a competitive side it becomes a high-tension sport you can enjoy," said one player who travelled from Tokyo to take part in the tournament.

"I think it's that kind of event where you can feel like a kid again," said another competitor.

Uonuma is in a region that sees huge amounts of snowfall every winter. More than three metres of snow had settled in the city by Sunday, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

"When you look at it from a local's point of view, the snow can be a nuisance, it's a hassle," said head judge Takuya.

"So we hoped we could turn it into something fun by starting these snowball fights."